Travels and discoveries in North and Central Africa, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b being a journal of an expedition undertaken under the auspices of H.B.M.'s Government, in the years 1849-1855Barth, Heinrich
History
Travels and discoveries in North and Central Africa, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b being a journal of an expedition undertaken under the auspices of H.B.M.'s Government, in the years 1849-1855
Barth, Heinrich
Africa, Central -- Description and travel; Africa, North -- Description and travel
This interesting monument is situated on an eminence a little less
elevated than that on which the castle is built, and south-westward from
it. Its whole height is about 36 ft. The base or pedestal measures 16
ft. 8¾ in. on the W. and E., and 16 ft. N. and S. Its elevation varies
greatly from E. to W., on account of the sloping ground, the eastern
side measuring 3 ft. 2 in., the western 5 ft. 7 in. In the interior of
this base is the sepulchral chamber, measuring 7 ft. 1 in. from N. to
S., and 6 ft. 6 in. from E. to W., and remarkable for the peculiar
construction of the roof. Upon this lowest part of the base rises a
second one 15 ft. 9 in. W. and E., 14 ft. 3¾ in. N. and S., and 2 ft. 1
in. high; and on this a third one, measuring 14 ft. 7½ in. W. and E., 13
ft. 10¼ in. N. and S., and 1 ft. 7 in. in height. Upon this base rose
the principal part of the monument, 13 ft. 7 in. high, and measuring at
its foot 13 ft. 11½ in. W. and E., decorated at the corners with
pilasters, the feet of which measure 1 ft. 1¾ in., and the shaft 9¾ in.
The moulding is handsomely decorated. Upon this principal body of the
monument is constructed the upper story, about 10 feet high, decorated
with pilasters of the Corinthian order. On the south and west sides the
walls are plain; but on the east side they are ornamented with a bow
window enclosed with pilasters of the same order, and on the north side
with a plain window running up the whole height of the body. Inside of
this chamber stood, probably, the statue of the person in whose honour
the monument was erected. The upper compartment has a plain moulding
about four feet high, and surmounted by a cornice.
The material of this interesting monument is a very fine limestone,
which under the influence of the atmosphere has received a vivid
brownish colour, almost like that of travertine. It was taken from a
quarry, which extends all round the monument, and is full of caverns now
used by shepherds as resting-places when they tend their flocks
hereabouts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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